On View: “Smoke & Mirrors” Group Show at Marcas Contemporary Art

Closing this week at Marcas Contemporary Art, “Smoke & Mirrors” (previewed here) highlights largely figurative works and portraits whose subjects appear in a dreamlike state. Generally, “Smoke and Mirrors” refers to where magicians make objects appear or disappear with mirrors amid a distracting burst of smoke. Although there is unity in the approach, this is an exhibition that embraces diversity. As the name suggests, there’s an otherworldly, sometimes “magical” quality to the artwork. From a pair of emotional monochromatic pieces by Fumi Nakamura to Tim Musso’s massive 78×78” woodcut print, the range of aesthetics and size in this show is extensive. Others include new monotype print works by Grady Gordon, animation-influenced, darkly detailed art by Jon Wayshak, Tristan Eaton, Paul Kaiser, Joseph Burwell, JeanPaul Mallozzi, and Tom Garner, just to name a few. As for the “trick” behind the curtain? Just as a magician never tells his secrets, the “Smoke & Mirrors” artists capture similar allure. “Smoke & Mirrors” closes September 28th at Marcas Contemporary Art gallery.